This is terrific. I have had MANY digital recorders going back to the Sony MiniDisk recorders then to a great Edirol model (that still works great), and two different models of the Zoom recorders. So, those are ALL higher end capable than this model Sony ICD-PX440. But they are also much more complex. My other recent device is a Zoom H1. There is no doubt it's higher end and higher quality (in what is produces) than this Sony model which is not high end and costs much much less. But since I don't do a high quality recording very often, I can tell you every time I go for the Zoom, I have to pull out the manual just to figure out how to access the menu system on it. There is NOTHING intuitive about the H1 for finding the menu--which kind of means you are dead in the water until you can figure out what button combination pulls it up. This Sony, in contrast, still has more menu complexity than I like but all these types devices do but I can find and navigate the menu easily.
I got this recorder to do two things. One, record my end of the conversation when talking to reporters. I keep it on my desk. Two, if good enough, to record myself when I give a public lecture that I want a reasonably high quality audio of to disseminate. I just tried this the other day and it worked great for this.
Here's the trick of that if you want a high quality recording of a speech/talk you give. Even for something like the ZOOM, you don't rely on the internal mics (unless you are the type of person who stands rock still facing one direction. Me, I move around a lot when I speak.). So, you get a Plug-N-Power lapel mic and arrange it somewhere high on your chest (center it), clipped to your shirt or tie or what have you. Somewhere where the mic is not hitting anything like a button or getting brushed up against by something moving. Start up the recorder, stick it in your pocket or jacket, and off you go. Oh, before you put in your pocket for this type of recording of you giving a talk, make sure to slide the on/off switch up to "hold" so no further button presses are going to do anything.
If you want a microphone suggestion, here's what I got for you. I've tried both of these Sony models.
- SONY ECM-CS3 is the better one to use (but was much less expensive).
- SONY ECM-CS10 records at too low a level (more expensive but, to me, does not sound nearly as good).
So, that's a strong rec for the ECM-CS3. It's a little larger than I'd love it to be but it's stereo (which adds a nice effect even if you are not the Beatles recording an early album). Great little mic. Good clip. No batteries needed cause it draws power from the recorder. It just works.
Want advice on settings for that use? Experiment. My voice is pretty soft. Here's what I used the other day.
Set it on highest bit rate 192 KBS MP3
Set on Medium sensitivity
Set on Lo Cut Filter ON
Recording Gain (This is where you'd have more control on a ZOOM or TASCAM recorder. I don't believe you can control the gain while recording on this device and your total gain control is with the mic sensitivity settings, I believe. Medium sensitivity works for me with the external mic that close but that's a tad hot on the recording level. Someone with a louder voice and a lapel mic would likely want to try low sensitivity first.)
I am very pleased with this. It's smaller than the ZOOM H1, go goes in pocket easier for this type of use. It's far less confusing than the ZOOM H1. But if I were going to want a recording at a whole other level of quality, yes, I'd pull out the ZOOM and it's manual and set it up right.
Lastly, the fact that this has a built-in, easily sliding in and out USB connector is a huge plus. It is SO easy to get to your recording and pull it off to your computer. (Just look in "folder one" when it pops up on your screen unless you've selected another folder by choice. That's the default.)
| Manufacturer | Sony |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Item Weight | 2.65 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 1.46 x 0.76 x 4.46 inches |
| Item model number | ICD-PX440 |
| Batteries | 2 AAA batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Manufacturer Part Number | ICD-PX440 |
